Scientists have developed PlantRNA-FM, an AI model that deciphers the genetic “language” of plants, analyzing RNA sequences and structures. Trained on data from 1,124 species, it predicts RNA functions and structural patterns. This breakthrough aids crop improvement, stress resilience, and understanding of RNA’s role in nature, revolutionizing plant science and biotechnology.
Eco-DRR (Disaster Risk Reduction) leverages farmland to mitigate floods by storing excess water, reducing damage. Analysis of 1917 Japanese municipalities (2010–2018) revealed farmland near river confluences significantly reduces flood risk. This eco-friendly approach supports food security, biodiversity, and disaster mitigation, offering a sustainable solution amid climate challenges.
Young maritime pine trees retain a memory of early temperature conditions through epigenetic changes, researchers report. These marks, influencing gene expression but not DNA, persist for up to two years post-germination. This discovery highlights how trees could be conditioned early to adapt to climate change, aiding sustainable forest management.
Researchers have created the first single-cell gene expression map of Prunus mume petals. Using advanced RNA sequencing, they identified six cell types driving floral scent production, pinpointing key genes like PmBAHD3. This breakthrough enhances understanding of fragrance biosynthesis, offering potential for breeding aromatic plants and innovating in horticulture and perfumery.
Researchers studied how paper birch trees adapt to climate change by analyzing photorespiration, a critical metabolic process. They found that trees maintain excess enzyme capacity, providing a buffer to environmental shifts. This resilience offers hope for forests under changing climate scenarios.
Aspen forests face complex challenges from climate change, not just rising temperatures but interactions with drought, fire, and browsing. A 42% aspen mortality rate highlights vulnerabilities, especially for young trees in dry, low-elevation areas. Adaptive management and collaborative strategies are vital to support regeneration and maintain biodiversity in these essential ecosystems.
An international team uncovered how carbon and nitrogen signals regulate flowering in Arabidopsis thaliana. The study reveals that these pathways converge on FLOWERING LOCUS C to fine-tune flowering time, offering insights to develop resilient, resource-efficient crops for sustainable agriculture.
The corpse flower’s rare, short-lived blooms emit a pungent scent to attract pollinators, fueled by heat from its spadix. Researchers uncovered genes driving heat and odor production, linking sulfur metabolism and amino acids like methionine and putrescine to its smell. This study advances understanding of thermogenesis and pollination in plants.
Scientists aim to engineer cereal crops like corn and rice to fix nitrogen directly from air, reducing fertilizer dependence. By identifying a minimal seven-gene pathway, they aim to embed nitrogen-fixing abilities into crops’ mitochondria and chloroplasts. This innovation could lower farming’s carbon footprint, combat hunger, and support space agriculture.
Barley plants produce unique antifungal compounds called hordedanes to defend against pathogens. Scientists identified 17 hordedanes that inhibit fungal growth, but a pathogen, Bipolaris sorokiniana, exploits these defenses to thrive. By neutralizing hordedanes, it extends its parasitic phase, showcasing the complex evolutionary battle between plants and pathogens.
